Mock Draft: Ra’shede Hageman is the beast and tonight’s best for the Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Ra’shede Hageman.
At today’s Senior Bowl practice there was one player, University of Minnesota defensive lineman Ra’shede Hageman, who turned not just a couple of heads, but stood out for his clear domination in the trenches – a fact that should excite Green Bay Packers officials.
Here’s what Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com and posted on cbssports.com had to say about Hageman, based on his performance in practice today:
"The well-built Hageman flashed dominating strength and length, routinely driving opponents into the backfield with a his bull rush and showing impressive burst for a man of his imposing 6-foot-6, 318-pound frame. Hageman was tough to handle in one-on-one drills — putting Miami guard Brandon Linder on his back during one particularly explosive rush — but carried over his impressive play into the full 11-on-11 scrimmages, as well. He remains a prospect who flashes rather than consistently dominates but considering his power, size and athleticism, teams operating under 4-3 and 3-4 principles, alike, were taking notice. Hageman’s scheme and position versatility is in stark contrast to an even flashier player — Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald — who by all accounts was the star of Monday’s practice."
Another review by nepatriotsdraft.com editor Mike Loyko had this to say:
"Speaking of Ra’Shede Hageman I thought he had a much better day. He utilized his bullrush a lot today and while he was creating pressure, he was having a tough time actually getting off the blocks. After a few reps Hageman started showing more, including a strong, sudden swim move that would have resulted in a sack. He was also more disruptive in 11 on 11 drills, where the defensive line did well in team drills. It should be noted Hageman has played mostly 3-Tech down here, but most people including myself think he’s a 5-Tech."
Ra’shede Hageman
But no matter what position he plays on the line, he’s going to help the defense for the team which selects him in the draft.
That’s why when his name rose to the top of the list when I lit up the fanspeak.com computer-generated mock draft tonight, I couldn’t believe it and plugged him in as the Green Bay Packers pick at number 21.
With the Packers defensive line probably undergoing huge changes this offseason, Hageman would be a great addition. B.J. Raji is most likely gone and with the diminishing returns from Ryan Pickett, C.J. Wilson, and Johnny Jolly facing the Packers, it looks like one of the team’s primary goals is to bring young, fresh legs to bolster one of the most tired lines in all the league.
The only problem with Hageman is that it looks like his rising status will most likely push him into the top 20 of the draft, meaning that if the Packers really covet him, they will most likely have to trade up. Will Ted Thompson do it? He has in the past … in my estimation, at this point Hageman would be worth it.
Here is the full first round draft selections from tonight’s computer-generated list:
1
G DAVID YANKEY
HOUSTON TEXANS
2
OT JAKE MATTHEWS
ST. LOUIS RAMS
3
QB BLAKE BORTLES
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
4
QB TEDDY BRIDGEWATER
CLEVELAND BROWNS
5
OLB ANTHONY BARR
OAKLAND RAIDERS
6
DE JADEVEON CLOWNEY
ATLANTA FALCONS
7
DE STEPHON TUITT
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
8
QB JOHNNY MANZIEL
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
9
OT GREG ROBINSON
BUFFALO BILLS
10
WR SAMMY WATKINS
DETROIT LIONS
11
OLB KYLE VAN NOY
TENNESSEE TITANS
12
CB JASON VERRETT
NEW YORK GIANTS
13
CB DARQUEZE DENNARD
ST. LOUIS RAMS
14
DT LOUIS NIX III
CHICAGO BEARS
15
OT CYRUS KOUANDJIO
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
16
DT TIMMY JERNIGAN
DALLAS COWBOYS
17
WR MIKE EVANS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
18
WR KELVIN BENJAMIN
NEW YORK JETS
19
OT TAYLOR LEWAN
MIAMI DOLPHINS
20
OLB KHALIL MACK
ARIZONA CARDINALS
21
DT RA’SHEDE HAGEMAN
GREEN BAY PACKERS
22
ILB C.J. MOSLEY
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
23
ILB SHAYNE SKOV
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
24
OLB RYAN SHAZIER
CINCINNATI BENGALS
25
DE KONY EALY
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
26
WR DAVANTE ADAMS
CLEVELAND BROWNS
27
ILB CHRISTIAN JONES
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
28
WR MARQISE LEE
CAROLINA PANTHERS
29
TE ERIC EBRON
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
30
WR JORDAN MATTHEWS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
31
CB JUSTIN GILBERT
DENVER BRONCOS
32
WR ALLEN ROBINSON
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS